Five Area Fire Departments Gather for Water Rescue Training

(August 24, 2023) — Crews from five area fire departments gathered at Millers Pond State Park on August 24, 2023 for a joint water rescue training. Emergency services are frequently dispatched to the park to assist park-goers with hiking and swimming injuries, water rescues and drownings in the park’s 30-acre, spring-fed pond.

Although the pond isn’t designated as a swim area, nine victims have drowned in Miller’s Pond since 2000.
During the drill, dive team personnel from the City of Middletown, Middletown South District, and Portland participated in underwater search-and-rescue, while others practiced managing operations from the shoreline.

EMTs from Middlesex Health also provided standby coverage during the drill.